Want To Beat Bloat And Digest Food Faster? Health Experts Recommend Adding Papaya To Your Plate To ‘Improve Digestion’

Benefits of Papaya

When it comes to improving digestion, papaya is one of the best fruits for the job. "Papaya contains an enzyme called papain," explains Hill. "Studies have shown that this enzyme can help increase gastric motility and improve the digestion of proteins." That means your digestive system may be able to break down food more efficiently, helping you avoid post-meal bloating. Hill adds that papain has been shown to be beneficial for a range of digestive issues when it's part of a regular diet.

In addition to its digestive perks, papaya is also great for your heart. "Papaya is a heart-healthy addition to your diet because it is rich in vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene," says Routhenstein. These nutrients help support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and may even help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress, which is linked to cardiovascular disease. Sign us up!

How to Enjoy Papaya

One of the best things about papaya? It’s super versatile. Hill suggests adding it to smoothies or salads or using it to top Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a gut-friendly, nutritious breakfast or snack. Slice it up or add it to your go-to smoothie recipe. No matter how you enjoy it, it's a great way to give your digestion a boost.